Aston Villa ready January deal after Ezri Konsa update – Ex-Villa scout
Aston Villa will step up their efforts to sign a new right-back after Ezri Konsa’s latest injury blow, according to the club’s former scout.
Mick Brown, who worked as a senior scout at Villa Park until 2021 and remains very well-connected at the club, exclusively told Football Insider that Villa chiefs are hoping the injury will not be a serious one, but must look to strengthen their squad depth.
Konsa, 26, was withdrawn with what looked to be a hamstring issue after just 12 minutes during the 0-0 draw with Manchester United, raising concerns about the possible length of his absence.
This comes following Matty Cash’s recent injury, with the right-back having spent over a month on the sidelines before making his return against United.
Unai Emery had previously raised concerns about the Poland international being their only senior right-back, while Konsa has often been tasked with filling in on that side.
Given the injuries both players have suffered already this season, the need for a new signing in that role has become even more pressing.
Meanwhile, Football Insider revealed on 5 October that concerns have lingered surrounding Cash, with a view that they could upgrade his spot in the team.
Aston Villa make transfer decision after Ezri Konsa injury blow
With the concerns surrounding Cash lingering and Konsa’s new injury blow, a new right-back has risen up Villa’s list of January priorities ahead of the transfer window.
Brown, who has a wealth of experience in the game after working for the likes of Man United, West Ham and Spurs as well as Villa, insisted that the England man would be a big miss, and may prove difficult to replace for Emery.
“I think a team in Villa’s position would always miss a player like Ezri Konsa,” he told Football Insider.
“He’s been excellent for them as a centre-back and as a right-back.
“Cash has been injured and is only just coming back into the team, but I’ve heard Villa want to strengthen their team at right-back.
“Konsa has done really well at filling in for Cash, he went out to right-back and did a brilliant job, and he’s done well there with England too.
“Now, he’s picked up an injury and the club will be hoping it’s not too serious.
“Players like Konsa who will perform at their best no matter where they’re playing take some replacing.
“I know they’re looking in the transfer market, but if Konsa is now ruled out for a long period, they’ll need to find someone to help strengthen that position.”
In other news, Aston Villa are planning to sign a defender known well to Unai Emery.
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